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Breed-specific testicular ultrasound profiles and pubertal markers in Bos indicus and composite bulls

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Autor(es):
Gonsalves, Joedson Dantas ; Oliveira, Maria Emilia Franco ; de Arruda, Rubens Paes ; Marcondes, Cintia Righetti ; Tholon, Patricia ; Brandao, Felipe Zandonadi ; Azevedo, Gabriela Novais ; Ramos, Giovanna Galhardo ; Vergani, Gabriel Brun ; Garcia, Alexandre Rossetto
Número total de Autores: 10
Tipo de documento: Artigo Científico
Fonte: Theriogenology; v. 250, p. 11-pg., 2025-10-16.
Resumo

Ultrasonography has offered potential to detect breed-specific differences and identify early puberty biomarkers in bulls. This study aimed to (a) characterize testicular ultrasound parameters in young bulls of the Nelore (Bos indicus) and Canchim (composite: 5/8 Bos taurus x 3/8 Bos indicus) breeds, and (b) identify potential ultrasonographic biomarkers associated with the pre- and post-pubertal phases. A total of 46 young (Nelore, n = 22; Canchim, n = 24) were evaluated using testicular biometry, B-mode ultrasonography, color Doppler of the parenchyma and pampiniform plexus, and spectral Doppler of the supratesticular artery. Semen analysis and serum testosterone measurements were conducted to determine pubertal status. Monthly collections were performed with longitudinal monitoring from 8 to 19 months of age. Subsequently, the animals were grouped into prepubertal and post-pubertal cohorts. Statistical analyses were performed using PROC MIXED in SAS, with significance set at P < 0.05. Significant temporal increases were observed in scrotal circumference (P < 0.001), testicular volume (P = 0.03), parenchymal echogenicity (P = 0.0007), and relative Doppler area (P = 0.0003). At most timepoints, Canchim bulls demonstrated consistently higher values than Nelore bulls. Notably, pre-pubertal Canchim bulls exhibited greater testicular echogenicity compared to their post-pubertal counterparts (P = 0.03), while pre-pubertal Nelore bulls showed reduced Doppler perfusion in the testicular parenchyma relative to postpubertal individuals (P = 0.03). This study highlights significant breed-related differences in testicular ultrasound parameters during sexual maturation. Canchim bulls exhibited higher echogenicity and testicular perfusion compared to Nelore bulls. Furthermore, ultrasonographic features such as echogenicity and Doppler area emerged as promising, non-invasive biomarkers for monitoring pubertal development in beef cattle. (AU)

Processo FAPESP: 19/04528-6 - Do céu às células: uma abordagem multidimensional do conforto térmico animal em sistemas de integração lavoura-pecuária-floresta(ILPF)
Beneficiário:Alexandre Rossetto Garcia
Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Regular
Processo FAPESP: 21/04335-3 - Efeitos do Sistema de Integração Lavoura-Pecuária-Floresta (iLPF) nas características reprodutivas e puberdade de tourinhos das raças Nelore e Canchim
Beneficiário:Rubens Paes de Arruda
Modalidade de apoio: Auxílio à Pesquisa - Regular